1
|
Hicks M, Simonds LM, Morison L. The Effectiveness of Imagery Rescripting Interventions for Military Veterans With Nightmares and Sleep Disturbances: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e3025. [PMID: 39074713 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.3025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Imagery rescripting (ImRs) interventions have been found effective in improving sleep outcomes, although research has mostly focused on civilian, rather than military, samples. The aim of this review was to estimate the overall effectiveness of ImRs interventions for military veterans on primary outcomes of nightmare frequency and sleep quality. A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection and the PTSDpubs database and was completed on 1 November 2021. Randomised controlled trials, nonrandomised trials and pre-post studies of ImRs interventions in veterans with sleep disturbances or nightmares were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata. Nineteen articles from 15 empirical studies were included in the review, and data from the 15 studies (involving 658 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis findings indicated that ImRs interventions are associated with significant positive changes from pretreatment to posttreatment for nightmare and sleep quality. Significantly greater improvements were found in ImRs interventions compared to control groups for sleep quality (Hedges' g = -0.65, 95% CI [-1.20, -0.10]) but not for nightmare frequency (Hedges' g = -0.10, 95% CI [-0.34, 0.14]). Overall, the meta-analysis included a relatively small number of studies with poor methodological quality and considerable heterogeneity; therefore, findings should be cautiously interpreted. Further research should focus on veteran participants with larger samples and from a broader range of sources to determine effectiveness more confidently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marya Hicks
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Linda Morison
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arditte Hall KA, McGrory CM, Snelson AM, Pineles SL. The associations between repetitive negative thinking, insomnia symptoms, and sleep quality in adults with a history of trauma. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024; 37:394-405. [PMID: 38425171 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2024.2324266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disturbance are highly comorbid and repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is associated with both sleep disturbance and PTSD. However, few studies have examined the association between RNT and sleep disturbance in individuals exposed to trauma, with and without PTSD. METHOD Associations between trait-level and trauma-related RNT, insomnia, and sleep quality were investigated in a trauma-exposed MTurk (N = 342) sample. Additionally, PTSD symptom severity was tested as a moderator of the associations between RNT and insomnia and sleep quality. RESULTS Trait-level RNT predicted poorer sleep quality and greater insomnia, regardless of PTSD severity. Trauma-related RNT was also associated with greater insomnia, though the effect was moderated by PTSD severity such that it was significant for participants with low and moderate, but not severe, PTSD. Both trait- and trauma-related RNT were associated with several specific aspects of sleep quality, including: sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, use of sleep medications, sleep onset latency, and subjective sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates significant associations linking RNT with insomnia and sleep disturbance in trauma-exposed individuals. Clinically, results suggest that it may be helpful to target both general and trauma-related RNT in sleep interventions for trauma-exposed individuals with insomnia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher M McGrory
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alana M Snelson
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne L Pineles
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hulot J, Roseau JB, Gomez-Merino D, Chennaoui M, Saguin E. Clinical description of sleep and trauma-related nightmares in a population of French active-duty members and veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. L'ENCEPHALE 2024; 50:11-19. [PMID: 36424208 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major public health problem. The most frequent complaints in this pathology are sleep disorders and trauma-related nightmares in particular. Trauma-related nightmares are characteristic of PTSD and impact its severity insofar as they are associated with more severe, longer-lasting symptoms and resistance to first-line treatments. There are specific characteristics associated with military personnel, including overrepresentation of replicative trauma-related nightmares. The aim of this study was to provide an accurate description of sleep patterns and the characteristics of trauma-related nightmares in a population of active-duty members or veterans diagnosed with PTSD. METHODS We recruited active-duty service members and veterans receiving treatment for PTSD in the psychiatric departments of five Military Teaching Hospitals (Hôpitaux d'Instruction des Armées, HIA) and described their sleep characteristics using a questionnaire, the Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey French version (TRNS-FR). RESULTS Out of 77 patients, 72 (93.5%) who experienced traumatic nightmares were included. This population had very severe clinical manifestations of PTSD, with a mean PCL-S score of 62.6 and an estimated total sleep time of 5.3h (317min). Among these patients, 31% had replicative nightmares and 57.7% had partially replicative nightmares. Nightmares were frequent (4.7 nightmares on average over the previous week), highly realistic, and highly immersive with exacerbated symptoms during the nightmare and also upon awakening. DISCUSSION Sleep quality was seriously altered among active-duty service members and veterans treated in Military Hospitals for PTSD with trauma-related nightmares. Certain criteria were identified to help characterize trauma-related nightmares: their level of replication, recurrence and the impact of these symptoms on patients' lives. CONCLUSION Long-term traumatic nightmares are a prominent feature in the symptomatology of active service members and veterans suffering from PTSD. This symptom is of particular interest as it may be a sign of changes in the patient's condition and a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Hulot
- HIA Percy, 92140 Clamart, France.
| | - J-B Roseau
- Service de pneumologie et de médecine du sommeil, HIA Clermont-Tonnerre, 29240 Brest, France
| | - D Gomez-Merino
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France; Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - M Chennaoui
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France; Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - E Saguin
- VIFASOM (Vigilance Fatigue Sommeil et Santé Publique) EA 7330, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France; Service de Psychiatrie, HIA Bégin, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Remadi M, Dinis S, Bernard L, Defontaine D, Boussaud M, Chennaoui M, Saguin E. Evaluation of sleep and therapeutic education needs of military with PTSD. L'ENCEPHALE 2024; 50:48-53. [PMID: 36907668 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disorders in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are both diagnostic (nocturnal reliving) and prognostic. Poor sleep worsens the daytime symptomatology of PTSD and makes it resistant to treatment. However, no specific treatment is codified in France to treat these sleep disorders although sleep therapies (cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, psychoeducation and relaxation) have proven for years to be effective in treating insomnia. Therapeutic sessions can be part of a therapeutic patient education program, which is a model for the management of chronic pathologies. It allows for an improvement in a patient's quality of life and enhanced medication compliance. We therefore carried out an inventory of sleep disorders of patients with PTSD. First, we collected data by means of sleep diaries concerning the population's sleep disorders at home. Then we assessed the population's expectations and needs regarding its management of sleep, thanks to a semi-qualitative interview. The data from sleep diaries, which was consistent with the literature, showed that our patients suffered from severe sleep disorders that strongly impact their daily lives, with 87% of patients having an increased sleep onset latency, and 88% having nightmares. We observed a strong demand from patients for specific support for these symptoms, 91% expressing an interest in a TPE program targeting sleep disorders. Thanks to the data collected, the emerging themes for a future therapeutic patient education program targeting sleep disorders of soldiers with PTSD are: sleep hygiene; management of nocturnal awakenings, including nightmares; and psychotropic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Remadi
- Service de psychiatrie, HIA Bégin, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France.
| | - S Dinis
- Service de psychiatrie, HIA Bégin, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France
| | - L Bernard
- Service de psychiatrie, HIA Bégin, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France
| | - D Defontaine
- Service de psychiatrie, HIA Percy, 92140 Clamart, France
| | - M Boussaud
- Service de psychiatrie, HIA Percy, 92140 Clamart, France
| | - M Chennaoui
- VIFASOM (vigilance fatigue sommeil et santé publique) EA 7330, université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France; Institut de recherche biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - E Saguin
- Service de psychiatrie, HIA Bégin, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France; VIFASOM (vigilance fatigue sommeil et santé publique) EA 7330, université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Roland A, Windal M, Briganti G, Kornreich C, Mairesse O. Intensity and Network Structure of Insomnia Symptoms and the Role of Mental Health During the First Two Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nat Sci Sleep 2023; 15:1003-1017. [PMID: 38059205 PMCID: PMC10697149 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s432944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Insomnia, being a mental disorder, is best conceived as a network of symptoms. With the important increase in insomnia prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic, our aim was to investigate how the structure of insomnia symptoms in the general population has changed due to the pandemic. We also looked at the directional dependencies of nightmares and of covid- and lockdown-related stress/anxiety and depression in insomnia. Patients and Methods 5986 persons replied to our online questionnaire for the first wave and 2843 persons to our second wave questionnaire. Both questionnaires included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Regularized Gaussian Graphical Models (GGM) and Bayesian Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG) were estimated. Results The pre- and peri-lockdown networks were equally strongly connected (first wave: S = 0.13, p = 0.39; second wave: S = 0.03, p = 0.67), but differed for the first lockdown regarding only six edges (M = 0.13, p < 0.001) and for the second lockdown only five edges (M = 0.16, p < 0.001). These symptoms all worsened during the lockdowns in comparison to before the pandemic (p < 0.001). The diurnal items of the ISI had the highest predictability and centrality values in the GGMs. Lockdown-related stress/anxiety influenced indirectly nightmares through covid-related stress/anxiety, lockdown-related depressive affect and mental fatigue. These reported feelings of stress/anxiety and depression showed an indirect impact on insomnia symptoms through mental and physical fatigue. Conclusion Though the lockdown slightly intensified insomnia symptoms, it did not alter their network structure. Despite their differences, both GGMs and DAGs agree that the diurnal symptoms of the ISI, play an essential role in the network structure. Both methods confirm the need for emphasizing the cognitive/affective component in the treatment of insomnia (ie cognitive behavioral therapy).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Roland
- Brain, Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels University Consultation Center, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Windal
- Brain, Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Psychology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Briganti
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et Addictologie, CHU/UVC Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charles Kornreich
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et Addictologie, CHU/UVC Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Mairesse
- Brain, Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels University Consultation Center, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et Addictologie, CHU/UVC Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
- Vital Signs and PERformance Monitoring (VIPER), LIFE Department, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Taylor DJ, Pruiksma KE, Mintz J, Slavish DC, Wardle-Pinkston S, Dietch JR, Dondanville KA, Young-McCaughan S, Nicholson KL, Litz BT, Keane TM, Peterson AL, Resick PA. Treatment of comorbid sleep disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder in U.S. active duty military personnel: A pilot randomized clinical trial. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:712-726. [PMID: 37322836 PMCID: PMC11057368 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Insomnia and nightmares are common in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are associated with worse psychological and physical health and worse PTSD treatment outcomes. In addition, they are resistant to PTSD treatments, which do not typically address sleep disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and nightmares (CBT-I&N) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD are first-line treatments, but limited evidence exists guiding the treatment of individuals with all three disorders. The current study randomized U.S. military personnel (N = 93) to one of three conditions: CBT-I&N delivered before CPT, CBT-I&N delivered after CPT, or CPT alone; all groups received 18 sessions. Across groups, participants demonstrated significantly improved PTSD symptoms. Because the study was terminated prematurely due to challenges with recruitment and retention, it was underpowered to answer the initially intended research questions. Nonetheless, statistical findings and relevant clinically meaningful changes were observed. Compared to participants who received CPT alone, those who received CBT-I&N and CPT, regardless of sequencing, demonstrated larger improvements in PTSD symptoms, d = -0.36; insomnia, d = -0.77; sleep efficiency, d = 0.62; and nightmares, d = -.53. Compared to participants who received CBT-I&N delivered before CPT, those who received CBT-I&N delivered after CPT demonstrated larger improvements in PTSD symptoms, d = 0.48, and sleep efficiency, d = -0.44. This pilot study suggests that treating comorbid insomnia, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms results in clinically meaningful advantages in improvement for all three concerns compared to treating PTSD alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Kristi E. Pruiksma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Danica C. Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | | | - Jessica R. Dietch
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Katherine A. Dondanville
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Karin L. Nicholson
- Department of Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas, USA
| | - Brett T. Litz
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiological Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Terence M. Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Behavioral Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alan L. Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Patricia A. Resick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Health, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pruiksma KE, Taylor DJ, Wachen JS, Straud CL, Hale WJ, Mintz J, Young-McCaughan S, Peterson AL, Yarvis JS, Borah EV, Dondanville KA, Litz BT, Resick PA. Self-reported sleep problems in active-duty US Army personnel receiving posttraumatic stress disorder treatment in group or individual formats: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Sleep Med 2023; 19:1389-1398. [PMID: 36988304 PMCID: PMC10394372 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.10584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep disturbances are common in military personnel with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may persist following treatment. This study examined service members seeking treatment for PTSD, reporting insomnia symptoms, nightmares, excessive daytime sleepiness, and potential obstructive sleep apnea at baseline and the impact of sleep disturbances on a course of PTSD treatment. METHODS In this secondary analysis, sleep was evaluated in 223 service members who participated in a randomized clinical trial comparing Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD delivered in individual or group formats. Sleep assessments included the Insomnia Severity Index, the Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale administered at baseline and 2 weeks posttreatment. RESULTS Following PTSD treatment, there were significant improvements for insomnia symptoms (MΔ = -1.49; d = -0.27), nightmares (MΔ = -0.35; d = -0.27), and excessive daytime sleepiness (MΔ = -0.91; d = -0.16). However, mean scores remained in clinical ranges at posttreatment. Participants with baseline insomnia symptoms had worse PTSD severity throughout treatment. Participants with baseline excessive daytime sleepiness or probable obstructive sleep apnea had greater PTSD severity reductions when treated with Cognitive Processing Therapy individually vs. in a group. Those with insomnia symptoms, nightmare disorder, and sleep apnea had greater depressive symptoms throughout treatment. CONCLUSIONS Insomnia symptoms, nightmares, and excessive daytime sleepiness were high at baseline in service members seeking treatment for PTSD. While sleep symptoms improved with PTSD treatment, these sleep disorders were related to worse treatment outcomes with regards to symptoms of PTSD and depression. Individual Cognitive Processing Therapy is recommended over group Cognitive Processing Therapy for patients with either excessive daytime sleepiness or probable obstructive sleep apnea. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Group vs. Individual Cognitive Processing Therapy for Combat-related PTSD; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02173561; Identifier: NCT02173561. CITATION Puriksma KE, Taylor DJ, Wachen JS, et al. Self-reported sleep problems in active-duty US Army personnel receiving posttraumatic stress disorder treatment in group or individual formats: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(8):1389-1398.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E. Pruiksma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Daniel J. Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Jennifer Schuster Wachen
- Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Casey L. Straud
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Willie J. Hale
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Alan L. Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jeffrey S. Yarvis
- Department of Behavioral Health, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Elisa V. Borah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Katherine A. Dondanville
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Brett T. Litz
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patricia A. Resick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Health, Durham, North Carolina
| | - on behalf of the STRONG STAR Consortium
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
- Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Behavioral Health, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Health, Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Baskaran A, Marogi E, Bitar R, Attarian H, Saadi A. Improving Sleep Health Among Refugees: A Systematic Review. Neurol Clin Pract 2023; 13:e200139. [PMID: 36936393 PMCID: PMC10022726 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Sleep disorders among refugees are common yet understudied. Interventions are difficult in resource-limited settings where most of these populations live. A systematic review of sleep disorders in refugee populations is warranted to identify prevalence, comorbidities, and the limitations of the current state of sleep health among refugees. Recent Findings Sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia and nightmares, occur with a higher prevalence among refugees. Diseases associated with insomnia in this population included fibromyalgia, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Risk factors include trauma, migration, lower socioeconomic status, lower educational level, and settlement in areas with a high influx of new residents or proximity to conflict. Only a few partially successful therapies were identified. Summary This review identifies the high prevalence of the disturbed sleep in this population and its risk factors. It proposes ways of increasing awareness of it in this vulnerable population as a first step toward remediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archit Baskaran
- Department of Neurology (AB), University of Chicago, IL; Department of Internal Medicine (EM), University of California San Francisco, CA; American University of Beirut (RB), Lebanon; Department of Neurology (HA), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (AS), MGH Asylum Clinic, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Emily Marogi
- Department of Neurology (AB), University of Chicago, IL; Department of Internal Medicine (EM), University of California San Francisco, CA; American University of Beirut (RB), Lebanon; Department of Neurology (HA), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (AS), MGH Asylum Clinic, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ricardo Bitar
- Department of Neurology (AB), University of Chicago, IL; Department of Internal Medicine (EM), University of California San Francisco, CA; American University of Beirut (RB), Lebanon; Department of Neurology (HA), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (AS), MGH Asylum Clinic, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Hrayr Attarian
- Department of Neurology (AB), University of Chicago, IL; Department of Internal Medicine (EM), University of California San Francisco, CA; American University of Beirut (RB), Lebanon; Department of Neurology (HA), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (AS), MGH Asylum Clinic, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Altaf Saadi
- Department of Neurology (AB), University of Chicago, IL; Department of Internal Medicine (EM), University of California San Francisco, CA; American University of Beirut (RB), Lebanon; Department of Neurology (HA), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (AS), MGH Asylum Clinic, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sheaves B, Rek S, Freeman D. Nightmares and psychiatric symptoms: A systematic review of longitudinal, experimental, and clinical trial studies. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 100:102241. [PMID: 36566699 PMCID: PMC10933816 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nightmares occur across a wide range of psychiatric disorders, but outside of PTSD presentations are infrequently considered a treatment priority. We aimed to assess evidence for a contributory causal role of nightmares to the occurrence of psychiatric disorders, and vice versa. A systematic review was conducted of longitudinal, experimental, and clinical trial studies. Twenty-four longitudinal, sixteen trials, and no experimental studies were identified. Methodological shortcomings were common, especially the use of single-item nightmare assessment. Thirty-five studies assessed the path from nightmares to psychiatric symptoms. Depression (n = 10 studies), PTSD (n = 10) and anxiety (n = 5) were the most commonly assessed outcomes in trials. Most were not designed to assess the effect of nightmare treatment on psychiatric symptoms. Treating nightmares led to moderate reductions in PTSD and depression, small to moderate reductions in anxiety, and potentially moderate reductions in paranoia. Nightmares increased the risk of later suicide outcomes (n = 10), but two small pilot trials indicated that treating nightmares might potentially prevent recovery of suicidal ideation. PTSD treatment led to large reductions in trauma-related nightmares (n = 3). The limited literature suggests that treating nightmares may be one route to lessening threat-based disorders in particular, suggestive of a causal relationship. Overall, however, nightmares in most disorders are greatly understudied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Sheaves
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom.
| | - Stephanie Rek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Miller KE, Tamayo G, Arsenault N, Jamison AL, Woodward SH. Longitudinal profiles of sleep during residential PTSD treatment. Sleep Med 2023; 106:52-58. [PMID: 37044001 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
We investigated longitudinal profiles of objectively measured sleep periods (SP) over the course of residential treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a cohort of U.S. male veterans. Participants (N = 190) slept on mattress-actigraphy systems in a Veterans Affairs (VA) residential PTSD program. The final sample included 4078 sleep periods. Latent class mixed model analyses were used to identify between-subject profiles in sleep period durations, controlling for daily medication intake, over the first fifty days of residency. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of pre-treatment characteristics with identified profiles. Three longitudinal profiles of sleep period characterized most of the sample: 'stable' (56%), 'decreasing' (35%), and 'increasing' (8%). Less severe pre-treatment PTSD avoidance symptoms predicted membership in the 'decreasing' class and increased depression symptoms were predictive of membership in the 'increasing' class. Nearly half of the sample reported a summary change of 1 h or more over the course of the initial 50-nights in the program. Future work is needed to identify how these profiles might drive inpatient treatment decisions regarding the provision of adjunctive sleep-focused treatment such as cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia or hypnotic medications.
Collapse
|
11
|
Hall KAA, Werner KB, Griffin MG, Galovski TE. Exploring Predictors of Sleep State Misperception in Women with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Behav Sleep Med 2023; 21:22-32. [PMID: 35007171 PMCID: PMC9271136 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2021.2024193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Insomnia is a common symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is resistant to first-line cognitive behavioral interventions. However, research suggests that, among individuals with PTSD, self-reported sleep impairment is typically more severe than what is objectively observed, a phenomenon termed sleep state misperception. Relatively little research has examined which individuals with PTSD are most likely to exhibit sleep state misperception. This study explored clinical predictors of sleep state misperception in a sample of 43 women with PTSD and clinically significant sleep impairment. METHOD During a baseline assessment, participants' PTSD symptoms were assessed using a clinical interview and their sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Objective sleep, self-reported sleep, and PTSD symptoms were then assessed over a 1-week period using actigraphy and daily diaries. RESULTS Consistent with previous research, women in the study exhibited total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), and sleep onset latency (SOL) sleep state misperception. For TST and SE, but not SOL, discrepancies between actigraphy and the PSQI were associated with each clinician-rated PTSD symptom cluster, whereas discrepancies between actigraphy and daily diary were only associated with clinician-rated reexperiencing symptoms. The only self-reported PTSD symptom that was uniquely associated with sleep state misperception was nightmares. This association was no longer significant after controlling for sleep-related anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that women with more severe reexperiencing symptoms of PTSD, particularly nightmares, may be more likely to exhibit TST and SE sleep state misperception, perhaps due to associated sleep-related anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael G. Griffin
- Department of Psychology, Center for Trauma Recovery, University of Missouri – St. Louis
| | - Tara E. Galovski
- VA National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Boston University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Brownlow JA, Miller KE, Ross RJ, Barilla H, Kling MA, Bhatnagar S, Mellman TA, Gehrman PR. The association of polysomnographic sleep on posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters in trauma-exposed civilians and veterans. SLEEP ADVANCES : A JOURNAL OF THE SLEEP RESEARCH SOCIETY 2022; 3:zpac024. [PMID: 36171859 PMCID: PMC9510784 DOI: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Study Objectives Self-reported sleep disturbance has been established as a risk factor and predictor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, less is known about the relationship between objective sleep and PTSD symptom clusters, and the specific role of hyperarousal. The present study examined the relationships between sleep continuity and architecture on PTSD symptom clusters. Methods Participants underwent two in-laboratory sleep studies to assess sleep continuity and architecture. They also completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD-IV scale and the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV to assess for PTSD diagnosis and other psychiatric disorders. Results Sleep continuity (i.e. total sleep time, sleep efficiency percent, wake after sleep onset, sleep latency) was significantly related to PTSD Cluster B (reexperiencing) symptom severity (R 2 = .27, p < .001). Sleep architecture, specifically Stage N1 sleep, was significantly associated with PTSD Cluster B (t = 2.98, p = .004), C (Avoidance; t = 3.11, p = .003), and D (Hyperarosual; t = 3.79, p < .001) symptom severity independently of Stages N2, N3, and REM sleep. REM sleep variables (i.e. REM latency, number of REM periods) significantly predicted Cluster D symptoms (R 2 = .17, p = .002). Conclusions These data provide evidence for a relationship between objective sleep and PTSD clusters, showing that processes active during Stage N1 sleep may contribute to PTSD symptomatology in civilians and veterans. Further, these data suggest that arousal mechanisms active during REM sleep may also contribute to PTSD hyperarousal symptoms.This paper is part of the War, Trauma, and Sleep Across the Lifespan Collection. This collection is sponsored by the Sleep Research Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janeese A Brownlow
- Corresponding author. Janeese A. Brownlow, Department of Psychology, Delaware State University, 1200 N DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901, USA.
| | - Katherine E Miller
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard J Ross
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Holly Barilla
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mitchel A Kling
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Philip R Gehrman
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Residual sleepiness in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Breath 2022; 27:853-860. [PMID: 35802313 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-022-02678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The causes of residual excessive sleepiness (RES) in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are multifactorial and modulated by comorbid conditions. The aim of the present study was to elucidate clinical and polysomnographic determinants of RES in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-adherent OSA veterans with PTSD. METHODS The study protocol consisted of a retrospective analysis of consecutive cases of patients with PTSD who presented to the Veterans Affairs sleep clinics with adequately treated OSA between June 1, 2017 and October 15, 2021. Based on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), patients were categorized into RES (ESS ≥ 11) and no RES (ESS < 11) groups. Demographic and PSG data were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses to ascertain predictive factors of RES. RESULTS Out of 171 veterans with PTSD who were adherent to CPAP, 59 (35%) continued to experience RES. The RES group had a decrease in mean ESS score of 1.2 ± 4.5 after CPAP treatment compared with 4.6 ± 4.9 for the no RES group (< 0.001). A dose-response was observed between CPAP use and RES (p = 0.003). Multivariate regression analysis identified higher baseline ESS (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.16-1.44), greater percentage of time spent in REM sleep (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85-0.96), CPAP use less than 6 h (OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.13-7.01), and a positive screen for depression (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.03-4.72) as independent predictors of RES in patients with PTSD and OSA. CONCLUSION RES is highly prevalent in patients with PTSD and OSA despite adherence to CPAP and is independently associated with percentage time spent in REM, duration of CPAP utilization, and symptoms of depression.
Collapse
|
14
|
Krishnakumari K, Munivenkatappa M, Hegde S, Muralidharan K. A Systematic Chart Review of Adults with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Data from a Tertiary Care Psychiatry Center in India. Indian J Psychol Med 2022; 44:378-383. [PMID: 35910407 PMCID: PMC9301746 DOI: 10.1177/02537176211035074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an understudied construct in the psychiatric setting. The majority of existing Indian studies on PTSD focus on the general population or disaster-stricken communities. Here, we present data from a five-year retrospective chart review from a tertiary care psychiatric center in India. METHODS Medical records of adult patients (≥18 years) who had attended psychiatry outpatient services between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2020 (five years) and were diagnosed with PTSD, as per ICD-10 criteria, were reviewed (n = 113). The relevant sociodemographic and clinical details were extracted using a semistructured pro-forma. RESULTS The percentage of adult patients with PTSD diagnosis in the five years was 0.22%. PTSD was more common in females (n = 65, 57.5%). Most patients had interpersonal trauma (n = 85, 75.2%), specifically sexual abuse (n = 47, 41.6%). The median age of onset was 22 years. All the patients had re-experiencing symptoms, with an equally high rate of avoidance (n = 109, 96.5%) and arousal symptoms (n = 110, 97.3%). 82%(93) had a comorbid psychiatric disorder, with mood disorder being the most common (n = 44, 38.9%). Males had a higher rate of comorbid substance use disorder (n = 14, 29.2%) and depression (n = 20,42%), and females had a higher rate of comorbid dissociative disorder (n = 13,20%). Most of the patients received non-trauma-focused psychological interventions, and only 18% (20) received evidence-based trauma-focused psychological interventions. CONCLUSION Interpersonal trauma, specifically sexual abuse, largely contributes to PTSD among adults attending psychiatric services. The need for trauma-focused psychological interventions is underscored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Krishnakumari
- Dept. of Clinical Psychology, M.V. Govindaswamy Centre, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Manjula Munivenkatappa
- Dept. of Clinical Psychology, M.V. Govindaswamy Centre, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shantala Hegde
- Dept. of Clinical Psychology, M.V. Govindaswamy Centre, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kesavan Muralidharan
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pharmacological Management of Nightmares Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:721-737. [PMID: 35688992 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00929-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a chronic and disabling condition. Post-traumatic nightmares (PTNs) form a core component of PTSD and are highly prevalent in this patient population. Nightmares in PTSD have been associated with significant distress, functional impairment, poor health outcomes, and decreased quality of life. Nightmares in PTSD are also an independent risk factor for suicide. Nightmare cessation can lead to improved quality of life, fewer hospital admissions, lower healthcare costs, and reduced all-cause mortality. Effective treatment of nightmares is critical and often leads to improvement of other PTSD symptomatology. However, approved pharmacological agents for the treatment of PTSD have modest effects on sleep and nightmares, and may cause adverse effects. No pharmacological agent has been approved specifically for the treatment of PTNs, but multiple agents have been studied. This current narrative review aimed to critically appraise proven as well as novel pharmacological agents used in the treatment of PTNs. Evidence of varying quality exists for the use of prazosin, doxazosin, clonidine, tricyclic antidepressants, trazodone, mirtazapine, atypical antipsychotics (especially risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine), gabapentin, topiramate, and cyproheptadine. Evidence does not support the use of venlafaxine, β-blockers, benzodiazepines, or sedative hypnotics. Novel agents such as ramelteon, cannabinoids, ketamine, psychedelic agents, and trihexyphenidyl have shown promising results. Large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to evaluate the use of these novel agents. Future research directions are identified to optimize the treatment of nightmares in patients with PTSD.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang Y, Ren R, Vitiello MV, Yang L, Zhang H, Shi Y, Sanford LD, Tang X. Efficacy and acceptability of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for trauma-related nightmares: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104717. [PMID: 35661755 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This network meta-analysis compares the efficacy and acceptability of all published psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for trauma-related nightmares (TRN) in adults. The analysis included data from 29 randomized clinical trials involving 14 psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions and involved 2214 trauma survivors. Prazosin and image rehearsal therapy (IRT) were found to be the two effective interventions for TRN. Other interventions such as risperidone, paroxetine, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), CBT-I+IRT, prolonged exposure (PE), and IRT+PE, did not show significantly greater efficacy compared with control conditions. The rates of all-cause discontinuations were comparable among majority of the interventions and did not show significant differences compared with control conditions. Prazosin and IRT should be considered as the initial choice of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for TRN. The efficacy of other pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions remains to be demonstrated. Future guidelines and daily clinical decision making on the choice of interventions for TRN should consider these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Ren
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Vitiello
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6560, USA
| | - Linghui Yang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Shi
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
This article reviews the literature on the relationship between sleep deficiency and unipolar and bipolar depression, anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder. We consider the evidence for sleep as a contributory causal factor in the development of psychiatric disorders, as well as sleep as an influential factor related to the outcome and recurrence of psychopathology. A case for sleep deficiency being an important treatment target when sleep and psychiatric disorders are comorbid is also made. Our recommendation is that sleep deficiency is recognized as a means to positively impact the development and course of psychopathology and, as such, is routinely assessed and treated in clinical practice.
Collapse
|
18
|
Weber FC, Wetter TC. The Many Faces of Sleep Disorders in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Update on Clinical Features and Treatment. Neuropsychobiology 2022; 81:85-97. [PMID: 34474413 PMCID: PMC9153357 DOI: 10.1159/000517329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disorders and nightmares are core symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship seems to be bidirectional, and persistent disturbed sleep may influence the course of the disorder. With regard to sleep quality, insomnia and nocturnal anxiety symptoms, as well as nightmares and stressful dreams, are the most prominent sleep symptoms. Polysomnographic measurements reveal alterations of the sleep architecture and fragmentation of rapid eye movement sleep. In addition, sleep disorders, such as sleep-related breathing disorders and parasomnias are frequent comorbid conditions. The complex etiology and symptomatology of trauma-related sleep disorders with frequent psychiatric comorbidity require the application of multimodal treatment concepts, including psychological and pharmacological interventions. However, there is little empirical evidence on the effectiveness of long-term drug treatment for insomnia and nightmares. For nondrug interventions, challenges arise from the current lack of PTSD-treatment concepts integrating sleep- and trauma-focused therapies. Effective therapy for sleep disturbances may consequently also improve well-being during the day and probably even the course of PTSD. Whether early sleep interventions exert a preventive effect on the development of PTSD remains to be clarified in future studies.
Collapse
|
19
|
Karaman MA, Aydın G, Sarı Hİ. Life balance and traumatic txperiences in undergraduate students living near conflict zones. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00666-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
20
|
Deutsch-Lang S, Kuchling M, Valeske I, Hulle-Wegl P, Stepansky R, Lang W. Die primäre und die psychiatrisch-„komorbide“, nichtorganische Insomnie in einem neurologisch geführten Schlaflabor. PSYCHOPRAXIS. NEUROPRAXIS 2022. [PMCID: PMC8886859 DOI: 10.1007/s00739-022-00790-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Patientinnen und Patienten, die in einem neurologischen Schlaflabor die Abschlussdiagnose nichtorganische Insomnie erhalten, leiden zu einem großen Teil (34 von 43 Personen) unter einer psychiatrischen Erkrankung: Persönlichkeitsstörungen, mit und ohne zusätzliche affektive Störung, Depression, Dysthymie, Zyklothymie, bipolare Störung, Angststörungen (generalisierte Angststörung, soziale Phobie), somatoforme (autonome) Funktionsstörung, hypochondrische Störung, Zwangsstörung, Anpassungsstörungen nach dramatischen Lebensereignissen sowie posttraumatische Belastungsstörungen. Sie befinden sich in laufender psychiatrischer und psychotherapeutischer Behandlung, leiden aber anhaltend unter den Symptomen der Insomnie. Allen Patientinnen und Patienten mit nichtorganischer Insomnie wird die kognitive Verhaltenstherapie der Insomnie angeboten.
Collapse
|
21
|
Miles SR, Pruiksma KE, Slavish D, Dietch JR, Wardle-Pinkston S, Litz BT, Rodgers M, Nicholson KL, Young-McCaughan S, Dondanville KA, Nakase-Richardson R, Mintz J, Keane TM, Peterson AL, Resick PA, Taylor DJ. Sleep disorder symptoms are associated with greater posttraumatic stress and anger symptoms in U.S. army service members seeking treatment for PTSD. J Clin Sleep Med 2022; 18:1617-1627. [PMID: 35197191 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.9926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Characterize associations between sleep impairments and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including anger, in service members seeking treatment for PTSD. METHODS Ninety-three US Army personnel recruited into a PTSD treatment study completed the baseline assessment. State of the science sleep measurements included (1) retrospective, self-reported insomnia, (2) prospective sleep diaries assessing sleep patterns and nightmares, and (3) polysomnography (PSG) measured sleep architecture and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea (OSAH) severity. Dependent variables included self-report measures of PTSD severity and anger severity. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression analyses examined if sleep symptoms, not generally measured in PTSD populations, were associated with PTSD and anger severity. RESULTS All participants met PTSD, insomnia, and nightmare diagnostic criteria. Mean sleep efficiency = 70%, total sleep time = 5.5 hours, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea (OSAH index ≥ 5) = 53%, and clinically significant anger = 85%. PTSD severity was associated with insomnia severity (β =.58), nightmare severity (β = .24), nightmare frequency (β = .31), and time spent in Stage 1 sleep (β = .27, all p < .05). Anger severity was associated with insomnia severity (β =37), nightmare severity (β = .28), and OSAH during rapid eye movement (β = .31, all p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Insomnia and nightmares were related to PTSD and anger severity, and OSAH was related to anger. Better assessment and evidence-based treatment of these comorbid sleep impairments in service members with PTSD and significant anger, should result in better PTSD, anger, and quality of life outcomes. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Treatment of Comorbid Sleep Disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Identifier: NCT02773693; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02773693.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R Miles
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL.,Division of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Kristi E Pruiksma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.,Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
| | - Danica Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
| | - Jessica R Dietch
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
| | | | - Brett T Litz
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiological Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.,Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
| | - Katherine A Dondanville
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL.,Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.,Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
| | - Terence M Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| | - Alan L Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.,Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX.,Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Downey C, Crummy A. The impact of childhood trauma on children's wellbeing and adult behavior. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
23
|
Sleep parameters improvement in PTSD soldiers after symptoms remission. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8873. [PMID: 33893376 PMCID: PMC8065125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88337-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is still unclear whether symptoms remission through EMDR therapy is associated with a beneficial effect on one of the PTSD symptoms, sleep disturbance. Our objective was therefore to study sleep parameters before and after symptom remission in soldiers with PTSD. The control group consisted of 20 healthy active duty military men who slept in a sleep lab with standard polysomnography (PSG) on two sessions separated by one month. The patient group consisted of 17 active duty military with PTSD who underwent EMDR therapy. PSG-recorded sleep was assessed 1 week before the EMDR therapy began and 1 week after PTSD remission. We found that the increased REMs density after remission was positively correlated with a greater decrease of symptoms. Also, the number of EMDR sessions required to reach remission was correlated with intra-sleep awakenings before treatment. These results confirm the improvement of some sleep parameters in PTSD after symptoms remission in a soldier's population and provide a possible predictor of treatment success. Further experiments will be required to establish whether this effect is specific to the EMDR therapy.
Collapse
|
24
|
Brownlow JA, Miller KE, Gehrman PR. Treatment of Sleep Comorbidities in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 7:301-316. [PMID: 33552844 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-020-00222-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of the review Sleep disturbances, insomnia and recurrent nightmares in particular, are among the most frequently endorsed symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present review provides a summary of the prevalence estimates and methodological challenges presented by sleep disturbances in PTSD, highlights the recent evidence for empirically supported psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for comorbid sleep disturbances implicated in PTSD, and provides a summary of recent findings on integrated and sequential treatment approaches to ameliorate comorbid sleep disturbances in PTSD. Recent Findings Insomnia, recurrent nightmares, and other sleep disorders are commonly endorsed among individuals with PTSD; however, several methodological challenges contribute to the varying prevalence estimates. Targeted sleep-focused therapeutic interventions can improve sleep symptoms and mitigate daytime PTSD symptoms. Recently, attention has focused on the role of integrated and sequential approaches, suggesting that comprehensively treating sleep disturbances in PTSD is likely to require novel treatment modalities. Summary Evidence is growing on the development, course, and treatment of comorbid sleep disturbances in PTSD. Further, interventions targeting sleep disturbances in PTSD show promise in reducing symptoms. However, longitudinal investigations and additional rigorous controlled trials with diverse populations are needed to identify key features associated with treatment response in order to alleviate symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janeese A Brownlow
- Department of Psychology, College of Health & Behavioral Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katherine E Miller
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philip R Gehrman
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kaczkurkin AN, Tyler J, Turk-Karan E, Belli G, Asnaani A. The Association between Insomnia and Anxiety Symptoms in a Naturalistic Anxiety Treatment Setting. Behav Sleep Med 2021; 19:110-125. [PMID: 31955594 PMCID: PMC7369215 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2020.1714624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective/Background: Few studies have examined the relationship between insomnia and anxiety treatment outcomes in naturalistic settings. Furthermore, prior studies typically examine insomnia within a single anxiety diagnosis without accounting for the high overlap between disorders. Here we investigate the association between insomnia and multiple anxiety disorders over a course of cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in a naturalistic treatment setting. Participants: Insomnia was assessed in 326 patients seeking treatment at a clinic specializing in CBT for anxiety. Methods: Multilevel modeling was used to investigate whether insomnia moderated reductions in anxiety symptoms. A cross-lagged analysis tested for bidirectional effects between insomnia and anxiety. Multiple regression was used to investigate the relationship between insomnia and anxiety while controlling for the other anxiety disorders and depression. Results: While there was a significant reduction in insomnia during treatment in all anxiety disorders, the majority of the most severe patients remained in the clinical range at post-treatment. Baseline insomnia did not significantly moderate anxiety outcomes, suggesting that patients with high or low levels of insomnia will do equally well in CBT for anxiety. The bidirectional effect between insomnia and anxiety did not reach significance. Additionally, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder were associated with the greatest endorsement of insomnia, after controlling for the overlap between disorders. Conclusions: Sleep problems may persist after anxiety treatment, suggesting that CBT for insomnia may be warranted during or after a course of CBT for anxiety. Importantly, baseline insomnia does not impede anxiety reduction during CBT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy Tyler
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19104
| | - Elizabeth Turk-Karan
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19104
| | - Gina Belli
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19104
| | - Anu Asnaani
- University of Utah, Department of Psychology, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Randomized trial of telehealth delivery of cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia vs. in-person treatment in veterans with PTSD. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2020.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
27
|
Agorastos A, Olff M. Traumatic stress and the circadian system: neurobiology, timing and treatment of posttraumatic chronodisruption. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1833644. [PMID: 33408808 PMCID: PMC7747941 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1833644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Humans have an evolutionary need for a well-preserved internal 'clock', adjusted to the 24-hour rotation period of our planet. This intrinsic circadian timing system enables the temporal organization of numerous physiologic processes, from gene expression to behaviour. The human circadian system is tightly and bidirectionally interconnected to the human stress system, as both systems regulate each other's activity along the anticipated diurnal challenges. The understanding of the temporal relationship between stressors and stress responses is critical in the molecular pathophysiology of stress-and trauma-related diseases, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objectives/Methods: In this narrative review, we present the functional components of the stress and circadian system and their multilevel interactions and discuss how traumatic stress can affect the harmonious interplay between the two systems. Results: Circadian dysregulation after trauma exposure (posttraumatic chronodisruption) may represent a core feature of trauma-related disorders mediating enduring neurobiological correlates of traumatic stress through a loss of the temporal order at different organizational levels. Posttraumatic chronodisruption may, thus, affect fundamental properties of neuroendocrine, immune and autonomic systems, leading to a breakdown of biobehavioral adaptive mechanisms with increased stress sensitivity and vulnerability. Given that many traumatic events occur in the late evening or night hours, we also describe how the time of day of trauma exposure can differentially affect the stress system and, finally, discuss potential chronotherapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Understanding the stress-related mechanisms susceptible to chronodisruption and their role in PTSD could deliver new insights into stress pathophysiology, provide better psychochronobiological treatment alternatives and enhance preventive strategies in stress-exposed populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- II. Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,ARQ Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Barone DA. Dream enactment behavior-a real nightmare: a review of post-traumatic stress disorder, REM sleep behavior disorder, and trauma-associated sleep disorder. J Clin Sleep Med 2020; 16:1943-1948. [PMID: 32804070 PMCID: PMC8034213 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
NONE Dream enactment behavior is a phenomenon demonstrated in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, as well as with a more recently described condition entitled trauma-associated sleep disorder, which shares diagnostic criteria for rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. While these conditions share some commonalities, namely dream enactment behavior, they are quite different in pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms. This review will focus on these 3 conditions, with the purpose of increasing awareness for trauma-associated sleep disorder in particular.
Collapse
|
29
|
Haynes PL, Skobic I, Epstein DR, Emert S, Parthasarathy S, Perkins S, Wilcox J. Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated with Negligible Change in Subjective and Objective Sleep. Behav Sleep Med 2020; 18:809-819. [PMID: 31739686 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2019.1692848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Patients receiving Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an evidence based therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), report improved sleep quality. However, the majority of studies have examined residual sleep disturbance via self-report surveys or separate items on PTSD measures. This study examined whether CPT delivered to veterans in a VA setting improved sleep indices using state-of-the-art objective and subjective insomnia measures. Participants: Participants were war veterans with a current PTSD diagnosis scheduled to begin outpatient individual or group CPT at two Veteran's Affairs (VA) locations (n = 37). Methods: Sleep symptom severity was assessed using the recommended research consensus insomnia assessment, the consensus daily sleep diary and actigraphy. PTSD symptomatology pre- and post-treatment were assessed using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale. Results: A small to moderate benefit was observed for the change in PTSD symptoms across treatment (ESRMC = .43). Effect sizes for changes on daily sleep diary and actigraphy variables after CPT were found to be negligible (Range ESRMC = - .16 to .17). Sleep indices remained at symptomatic clinical levels post-treatment. Discussion: These findings support previous research demonstrating a need for independent clinical attention to address insomnia either before, during, or after PTSD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Haynes
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Arizona , Tucson.,Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Mental Health Service Line , Tucson
| | - Iva Skobic
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Arizona , Tucson
| | - Dana R Epstein
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University , Tempe.,Research Service, Phoenix VA Health Care System , Phoenix
| | - Sarah Emert
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama , Tuscaloosa.,Biomedical Research Foundation of Southern Arizona , Tucson
| | - Sairam Parthasarathy
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson.,Southern Arizona VA Health Care System,Research Service Line , Tucson
| | - Suzanne Perkins
- Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Mental Health Service Line , Tucson
| | - James Wilcox
- Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Mental Health Service Line , Tucson
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Treatment of comorbid sleep disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder in active duty military: Design and methodology of a randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 99:106186. [PMID: 33091589 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Many individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also suffer from insomnia and nightmares, which may be symptoms of PTSD or constitute partially independent comorbid disorders. Sleep disturbances are resistant to current treatments for PTSD, and those suffering from PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares have worse PTSD treatment outcomes. In addition, insomnia and nightmares are risk factors for depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and suicide. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Nightmares (CBT-I&N) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD are first line treatments of these conditions. CPT does not typically address insomnia or nightmares, and CBT-I&N does not typically address other symptoms of PTSD. There are limited scientific data on how best to provide these therapies to individuals suffering with all three disorders. This project aims to inform the most effective way to treat individuals suffering from PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares, potentially changing the standard of care. U.S. military personnel and recently discharged Veterans who served in support of combat operations following 9/11 aged 18-65 with PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares (N = 222) will be randomly assigned to one of the following 18-session individual treatment conditions delivered over 12-weeks: (1) 6 sessions of CBT-I&N followed by 12 sessions of CPT; (2) 12 sessions of CPT followed by 6 sessions of CBT-I&N; or (3) 12 sessions of CPT followed by an additional 6 sessions of CPT. All participants will be assessed at baseline, during treatment, and at 1-week, 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months posttreatment. The primary outcome will be PTSD symptom severity.
Collapse
|
31
|
Arditte Hall KA, Werner KB, Griffin MG, Galovski TE. The effects of cognitive processing therapy + hypnosis on objective sleep quality in women with posttraumatic stress disorder. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY 2020; 13:652-656. [PMID: 32915043 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling and staying asleep, is a common and debilitating symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is resistant to first-line, trauma-focused therapies. Previous research has found that sleep-directed hypnosis improves subjective sleep quality, particularly sleep onset latency, in women with PTSD. However, it cannot be assumed that improvements in subjective sleep reports correspond with objectively measured sleep improvements, because research has indicated a lack of agreement across these measures. The current study examined the effects of sleep-directed hypnosis plus cognitive processing therapy (hypCPT) on objective indices of sleep quality measured with actigraphy. Method: Forty-five women with PTSD were randomized to receive sleep-directed hypCPT or sleep and psychiatric symptom monitoring plus CPT (ssmCPT). Pre- and posttreatment, participants completed 1 week of daily actigraphy assessments of nocturnal sleep onset latency, waking after sleep onset, and total sleep time. Results: Overall improvement in objective sleep indices was not observed. Despite this, at posttreatment, treatment completers receiving hypCPT took significantly less time to fall asleep than did women receiving ssmCPT. Conclusions: More research is needed to understand and reduce the discrepancy between subjectively and objectively assessed sleep impairments in PTSD. Nevertheless, results indicate that adding sleep-directed hypnosis to trauma-focused therapy may be of some use for individuals with PTSD-related insomnia. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
|
32
|
Fear of sleep and trauma-induced insomnia: A review and conceptual model. Sleep Med Rev 2020; 55:101383. [PMID: 32992229 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Trauma-induced insomnia is a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and is reported to be particularly distressing and often persists even after remission of the core symptoms of PTSD. Recently, it has been suggested that fear of sleep plays an important role in the development and maintenance of trauma-induced insomnia. The aim of this review is to propose a conceptual model of fear of sleep as a maintaining factor of trauma-induced insomnia. After a brief overview of the role of sleep in PTSD, the concept of fear of sleep is introduced. Theoretical considerations and empirical findings on the role of fear of sleep for trauma-induced insomnia in the context of PTSD are summarized and integrated. Specifically, links between PTSD symptoms and fear of sleep are presented, as well as possible consequences of fear of sleep leading to trauma-induced insomnia. Finally, we highlight methodological issues, identify areas for future research, and discuss potential clinical implications.
Collapse
|
33
|
Park JK, Park J, Elbert T, Kim SJ. Effects of Narrative Exposure Therapy on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Insomnia in Traumatized North Korean Refugee Youth. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:353-359. [PMID: 32216143 PMCID: PMC7317474 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Refugees affected by multiple traumatic stressors are at high risk for developing trauma-related mental disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and insomnia, which is sometimes overlooked. The present study examined the effectiveness of narrative exposure therapy (NET) on trauma-related symptoms in a sample of North Korean refugee youth. We focused on sleep patterns in addition to changes in symptom severity for PTSD, depression, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. North Korean refugee youth (N = 20) with PTSD were assigned to either an NET-based treatment group or a control group, which consisted of treatment as usual (TAU). There were clinically significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms for the NET group, Hedges' g = 3.6, but not the TAU group. The change in diagnostic status for PTSD was more notable for participants in the NET group compared to the TAU group. Of note, NET also produced a significant improvement in insomnia symptoms and sleep quality, Hedges' g = 2.1. The substantial recovery regarding overall posttraumatic symptoms in the NET group was observed 2 weeks after the end of treatment and remained stable at 6-month follow-up. The results of the present study suggest that NET may be a treatment option for traumatized North Korean refugee youth and may also be effective for the treatment of sleep problems that arise from traumatic experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinme K. Park
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | - Jinah Park
- Department of CounselingKyonggy UniversitySuwonRepublic of Korea
| | - Thomas Elbert
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | - Seog Ju Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical CenterSungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Werner GG, Danböck SK, Metodiev S, Kunze AE. Pre-Sleep Arousal and Fear of Sleep in Trauma-Related Sleep Disturbances: A Cluster-Analytic Approach. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2020; 2:e2699. [PMID: 36397829 PMCID: PMC9645493 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.v2i2.2699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trauma-related sleep disturbances constitute critical symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but sleep symptoms often reside even after successful trauma-focused psychotherapy. Therefore, currently unattended factors - like fear of sleep (FoS) - might play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of residual sleep disturbances. However, it is unclear whether trauma-exposed individuals exhibit different symptomatic profiles of sleep disturbances that could inform individualized therapeutic approaches and eventually enhance treatment efficacy. Method In a large online study, a two-step cluster analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward's method were performed to explore subgroups among trauma-exposed individuals (N = 471) in terms of FoS, different aspects of trauma-related sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia symptoms, nightmares, arousal), and PTSD symptoms. These variables were compared between resulting clusters using ANOVAs and Scheffé's post-hoc tests. Results The hierarchical cluster analysis supported 3- and 4-cluster solutions. The 3-cluster solution consisted of one "healthy" (n = 199), one "subclinical" (n = 223), and one "clinical" (n = 49) cluster, with overall low, medium, and high symptomatology on all used variables. In the 4-cluster solution, the clinical cluster was further divided into two subgroups (n = 38, n = 11), where one cluster was specifically characterized by elevated somatic pre-sleep arousal and high levels of FoS. Conclusions A subgroup of trauma-exposed individuals with PTSD and sleep disturbances suffers from increased pre-sleep arousal and FoS, which has been suggested as one possible explanation for residual sleep disturbances. In these patients, FoS might be a relevant treatment target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela G. Werner
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich [study institution], Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah K. Danböck
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich [study institution], Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stanislav Metodiev
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich [study institution], Munich, Germany
| | - Anna E. Kunze
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich [study institution], Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Taylor DJ, Pruiksma KE, Hale W, McLean CP, Zandberg LJ, Brown L, Mintz J, Young-McCaughan S, Peterson AL, Yarvis JS, Dondanville KA, Litz BT, Roache J, Foa EB. Sleep problems in active duty military personnel seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: presence, change, and impact on outcomes. Sleep 2020; 43:5815720. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study Objectives
To examine sleep disorder symptom reports at baseline and posttreatment in a sample of active duty U.S. Army Soldiers receiving treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Explore sleep-related predictors of outcomes.
Methods
Sleep was evaluated in 128 participants in a parent randomized clinical trial comparing Spaced formats of Prolonged Exposure (PE) or Present Centered Therapy and a Massed format of PE. In the current study, Spaced formats were combined and evaluated separately from Massed.
Results
At baseline, the average sleep duration was < 5 h per night on weekdays/workdays and < 6 h per night on weekends/off days. The majority of participants reported clinically significant insomnia, clinically significant nightmares, and probable sleep apnea and approximately half reported excessive daytime sleepiness at baseline. Insomnia and nightmares improved significantly from baseline to posttreatment in all groups, but many patients reported clinically significant insomnia (>70%) and nightmares (>38%) posttreatment. Excessive daytime sleepiness significantly improved only in the Massed group, but 40% continued to report clinically significant levels at posttreatment. Short sleep (Spaced only), clinically significant insomnia and nightmares, excessive daytime sleepiness, and probable sleep apnea (Massed only) at baseline predicted higher PTSD symptoms across treatment course. Short weekends/off days sleep predicted lower PTSD symptom improvement in the Spaced treatments.
Conclusions
Various sleep disorder symptoms were high at baseline, were largely unchanged with PTSD treatment, and were related to worse PTSD treatment outcomes. Studies are needed with objective sleep assessments and targeted sleep disorders treatments in PTSD patients.
Clinical Trial Registration
NCT01049516.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
| | - Kristi E Pruiksma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Willie Hale
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Carmen P McLean
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Menlo Park, CA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Laurie J Zandberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lily Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Alan L Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
| | - Jeffrey S Yarvis
- Department of Behavioral Health, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, TX
| | - Katherine A Dondanville
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Brett T Litz
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - John Roache
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Edna B Foa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Colvonen PJ, Straus LD, Drummond SPA, Angkaw AC, Norman SB. Examining sleep over time in a randomized control trial comparing two integrated PTSD and alcohol use disorder treatments. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 209:107905. [PMID: 32065939 PMCID: PMC8515903 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Insomnia is highly co-occurring with both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This is concerning since insomnia contributes to worse substance abuse and PTSD, and a host of negative health consequences. No study has tracked how sleep indices and insomnia change related to integrated PTSD and AUD treatment using evidence-based exposure therapy. This study examined how insomnia changes over time in a randomized control trial of two integrated PTSD and AUD treatments. METHODS Participants were 119 adult veterans (90 % male) seeking treatment for AUD and PTSD at a large urban VA. Participants were randomized to either COPE (integrated treatment using prolonged exposure) or Seeking Safety (integrated therapy using cognitive behavioral, interpersonal techniques and case management). Assessments were done at pre- and post-treatment and include: Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, Timeline Follow-back calendar-assisted interview for AU, insomnia severity index (ISI), sleep diary and actigraphy for 7 days. RESULTS ISI showed significant decreases, but a majority remained above the clinical cutoff at post-treatment. Wake after sleep onset decreased, but only by 8 min, remaining above clinical thresholds. Decreases in PTSD, but not in heavy drinking, predicted change in ISI. No significant changes were observed in other sleep variables measured. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggested some statistical improvements in sleep quality, but sleep indices remained above clinical cut-offs. This study provides evidence that insomnia is an independent disorder and not responsive to PTSD or AUD treatments alone. Sleep symptoms should be assessed and treated in patients with comorbid mental health conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Colvonen
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, United States; University of California, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 116A, San Diego, CA 92161, United States; National Center for PTSD, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009, United States.
| | - Laura D Straus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, San Francisco VA Healthcare System, United States
| | - Sean P A Drummond
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Science, Monash University, Australia
| | - Abigail C Angkaw
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, United States; University of California, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States; National Center for PTSD, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009, United States
| | - Sonya B Norman
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, United States; University of California, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 116A, San Diego, CA 92161, United States; National Center for PTSD, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Maguire DG, Ruddock MW, Milanak ME, Moore T, Cobice D, Armour C. Sleep, a Governor of Morbidity in PTSD: A Systematic Review of Biological Markers in PTSD-Related Sleep Disturbances. Nat Sci Sleep 2020; 12:545-562. [PMID: 32801980 PMCID: PMC7402856 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s260734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbances (SD) are the most impactful and commonly reported symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet, they are often resistant to primary PTSD therapies. Research has identified two distinct SDs highly prevalent in PTSD; insomnia and nightmares. Those who report SDs prior to a traumatic event are at greater risk for developing PTSD; highlighting that sleep potentially plays a role in PTSD's pathology. To further understand the pathobiological mechanisms that lead to the development of PTSD, it is first imperative to understand the interplay which exists between sleep and PTSD on a biological level. The aim of this systematic review is to determine if biological or physiological markers are related to SD in PTSD. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted on the electronic databases; Medline, Embase, AMED and PsycINFO, using Medical Subject Headings and associated keywords. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included in the final analyses. Physiological makers of autonomic function, and biochemical markers of HPA-axis activity; inflammatory processes; and trophic factor regulation were related to the severity of SDs in PTSD. CONCLUSION These findings add to the growing literature base supporting a central focus on sleep in research aiming to define the pathophysiological processes which result in PTSD, as well as emphasising the importance of specifically targeting sleep as part of a successful PTSD intervention strategy. Resolving SDs will not only reduce PTSD symptom severity and improve quality of life but will also reduce all-cause mortality, hospital admissions and lifetime healthcare costs for those with PTSD. Limitations of the current literature are discussed, and key recommendations future research must adhere to are made within.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Maguire
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Mark W Ruddock
- Randox Laboratories Ltd, Clinical Studies, Crumlin, County Antrim BT29 4QY, Northern Ireland
| | - Melissa E Milanak
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Tara Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Diego Cobice
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Cherie Armour
- School of Psychology, David Keir Building, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, Northern Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Drexl K, Kunze A, Werner G. The German version of the Fear of Sleep Inventory - Short Form: A psychometric study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
39
|
Holder N, Holliday R, Wiblin J, Surís A. A Preliminary Examination of the Effect of Cognitive Processing Therapy on Sleep Disturbance Among Veterans with Military Sexual Trauma-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 25:316-323. [PMID: 31275080 DOI: 10.1037/trm0000196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) report numerous psychosocial difficulties including sleep disturbance and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) has been shown to effectively reduce total PTSD symptoms among veterans with MST-related PTSD; however, sleep disturbance may persist after successful treatment. Sleep disturbance is associated with suicidal self-directed violence, substance use, and poorer physical health. Identification of if and when CPT can sufficiently address sleep disturbance may help to determine when adjunctive interventions may be indicated. The current study described the rate of sleep disturbance in a sample of veterans with MST-related PTSD before and after CPT. In an exploratory analysis, potential baseline predictors (i.e., sociodemographic, PTSD symptoms, trauma-related cognitions, depression, physical health) of change in sleep disturbance following CPT were assessed. A secondary analysis of 72 male and female veterans enrolled in a randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of CPT for MST-related PTSD was conducted. Most veterans reported clinically significant sleep disturbance at baseline (100%) and post-treatment (89%). A significant relationship between clinically significant change in PTSD symptoms and resolution of sleep disturbance was not identified. Using hierarchical multiple linear regression, potential predictors of change in sleep severity following CPT were assessed; however, no significant predictors were identified in this exploratory analysis. These results are consistent with previous research describing high residual rates of sleep disturbance in veterans with PTSD, despite reductions in overall PTSD symptoms. Future research should focus on identifying effective augmentation strategies for CPT to specifically address sleep disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Holder
- Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
| | - Ryan Holliday
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Jessica Wiblin
- Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
| | - Alina Surís
- Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Colvonen PJ, Ellison J, Haller M, Norman SB. Examining Insomnia and PTSD Over Time in Veterans in Residential Treatment for Substance Use Disorders and PTSD. Behav Sleep Med 2019; 17:524-535. [PMID: 29364693 PMCID: PMC6645391 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2018.1425869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective/Background: Insomnia occurs in 66-90% of individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 36-72% of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals with both PTSD and SUD are more likely to have insomnia than individuals with only one disorder. Insomnia is associated with poorer treatment outcomes for both PTSD and SUD, increased daytime symptomology for PTSD, and increased relapse for SUDs. As such, it is important to understand how sleep affects PTSD treatment among patients dually diagnosed with SUD and how sleep changes over time in a residential unit for SUDs. Participants: Participants were 40 veterans with comorbid PTSD and SUD in a 28-day Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP) PTSD track. Methods: Analyses used mixed models with Time (baseline, posttreatment, 3-month follow-up) to examine PTSD and insomnia severity over time. Results: Results of the longitudinal mixed model showed that PTSD symptoms improved over time but that insomnia symptoms did not. Although baseline insomnia did not affect follow-up PTSD symptoms, individuals with greater insomnia severity at the start of treatment had more severe baseline PTSD symptomatology. However, there was not an interaction of insomnia and PTSD severity over time such that baseline insomnia did not affect PTSD trajectories. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with the PTSD outpatient treatment findings and further adds evidence that insomnia is unremitting without direct intervention. Given the relationship insomnia has with PTSD severity, SUD, and relapse, directly targeting insomnia may further help improve both PTSD and SUD treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Colvonen
- a VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego , California.,b Department of Psychiatry , University of California at San Diego , San Diego , California.,c VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health , San Diego , California
| | | | - Moira Haller
- a VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego , California.,b Department of Psychiatry , University of California at San Diego , San Diego , California
| | - Sonya B Norman
- a VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego , California.,b Department of Psychiatry , University of California at San Diego , San Diego , California.,c VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health , San Diego , California.,d National Center for PTSD , White River Junction , Vermont
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhang Y, Ren R, Sanford LD, Yang L, Ni Y, Zhou J, Zhang J, Wing YK, Shi J, Lu L, Tang X. The effects of prazosin on sleep disturbances in post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med 2019; 67:225-231. [PMID: 31972510 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nightmares are a highly prevalent and distressing feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous studies have reached mixed conclusions regarding the effects of prazosin on nightmares, sleep quality, and overall PTSD symptoms in patients with PTSD. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, all EBM databases, PsycIFNO, and CINAHL were systematically searched from inception date to October 2018 for randomized clinical trials that included reporting of nightmares, sleep quality or overall PTSD symptoms. The analysis included data from eight trials involving 286 PTSD patients in the prazosin group and 289 PTSD patients in the placebo group. RESULTS In our meta-analysis, prazosin resulted in a statistically significant improvement in nightmares (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.91 to -0.36), but was not more beneficial than placebo for overall PTSD symptoms (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI = -0.95 to 0.05) and sleep quality (SMD = -0.44, 95% CI = -1.44 to 0.55). In terms of acceptability, there was no significant difference between the prazosin group and the placebo group with respect to discontinuation for all causes (odds ratio (OR) = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.62-1.62). In conclusion, the use of prazosin was associated with an improvement of nightmare symptoms. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that additional studies are needed before considering downgrading the use of prazosin in the treatment of nightmares in patients with PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Ren
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
| | - Linghui Yang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuenan Ni
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junying Zhou
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jihui Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yun-Kwok Wing
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Lu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Harb GC, Cook JM, Phelps AJ, Gehrman PR, Forbes D, Localio R, Harpaz-Rotem I, Gur RC, Ross RJ. Randomized Controlled Trial of Imagery Rehearsal for Posttraumatic Nightmares in Combat Veterans. J Clin Sleep Med 2019; 15:757-767. [PMID: 31053215 PMCID: PMC6510682 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.7770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To examine the efficacy of imagery rehearsal (IR) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) compared to CBT-I alone for treating recurrent nightmares in military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS In this randomized controlled study, 108 male and female United States veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts with current, severe PTSD and recurrent, deployment-related nightmares were randomized to six sessions of IR + CBT-I (n = 55) or CBT-I (n = 53). Primary outcomes were measured with the Nightmare Frequency Questionnaire (NFQ) and Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ). RESULTS Improvement with treatment was significant (29% with reduction in nightmare frequency and 22% with remission). Overall, IR + CBT-I was not superior to CBT-I (NFQ: -0.12; 95% confidence interval = -0.87 to 0.63; likelihood ratio chi square = 4.7(3), P = .2); NDQ: 1.5, 95% confidence interval = -1.4 to 4.4; likelihood ratio chi square = 7.3, P = .06). CONCLUSIONS Combining IR with CBT-I conferred no advantage overall. Further research is essential to examine the possibly greater benefit of adding IR to CBT-I for some subgroups of veterans with PTSD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Title: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Nightmares in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans; Identifier: NCT00691626; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00691626.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde C. Harb
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joan M. Cook
- Yale University and National Center for PTSD, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Andrea J. Phelps
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philip R. Gehrman
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David Forbes
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Russell Localio
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- Yale University and National Center for PTSD, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ruben C. Gur
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard J. Ross
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Post-Traumatic Stress among Evacuees from the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfires: Exploration of Psychological and Sleep Symptoms Three Months after the Evacuation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091604. [PMID: 31071909 PMCID: PMC6540600 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study documents post-traumatic stress symptoms after the May 2016 wildfires in Fort McMurray (Alberta, Canada). A sample of 379 evacuees completed an online questionnaire from July to September 2016, and a subsample of 55 completed a psychiatric/psychological diagnostic interview. According to a self-report questionnaire, 62.5% of respondents had a provisional post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The interview confirmed that 29.1% met criteria for PTSD, 25.5% for depression, and 43.6% for insomnia; in most cases, insomnia was definitely or probably related to the fires. Traumatic exposure may elicit or exacerbate sleep problems, which are closely associated with PTSD after a disaster.
Collapse
|
44
|
Schnurr PP, Lunney CA. Residual symptoms following prolonged exposure and present-centered therapy for PTSD in female veterans and soldiers. Depress Anxiety 2019; 36:162-169. [PMID: 30576030 DOI: 10.1002/da.22871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), some symptoms, such as sleep disturbance, can be difficult to treat regardless of treatment type. METHODS We examined residual PTSD symptoms in 235 female veterans and soldiers who were randomized to receive 10 weekly sessions of either Prolonged Exposure (PE) or Present-Centered Therapy (PCT). PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale. Analyses examined the effects of PE and the effects of clinically significant improvement (loss of diagnosis, operationalized as meaningful symptom reduction and no longer meeting diagnostic criteria). RESULTS Both treatments resulted in reductions in PTSD symptoms. PE had lower conditional probabilities than PCT of retaining intrusive memories, avoidance of people/places, detachment/estrangement, and restricted range of affect. Loss of diagnosis had lower conditional probabilities of almost all symptoms, although hyperarousal symptoms-especially irritability/anger (60.7%) and sleep difficulties (50.9%)-were the most likely to remain. CONCLUSIONS Results are consistent with previous findings on sleep difficulties being difficult to treat, but also show that hyperarousal symptoms overall may not be resolved even after substantial improvement. Additional strategies may be needed to treat the full range of PTSD symptoms in some patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula P Schnurr
- National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, Vermont.,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Colvonen PJ, Straus LD, Acheson D, Gehrman P. A Review of the Relationship Between Emotional Learning and Memory, Sleep, and PTSD. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:2. [PMID: 30661137 PMCID: PMC6645393 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-0987-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The emotional memory and learning model of PTSD posits maladaptive fear conditioning, extinction learning, extinction recall, and safety learning as central mechanisms to PTSD. There is increasingly convincing support that sleep disturbance plays a mechanistic role in these processes. The current review consolidates the evidence on the relationships between emotional memory and learning, disturbed sleep, and PTSD acquisition, maintenance, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS While disrupted sleep prior to trauma predicts PTSD onset, maladaptive fear acquisition does not seem to be the mechanism through which PTSD is acquired. Rather, poor extinction learning/recall and safety learning seem to better account for who maintains acute stress responses from trauma versus who naturally recovers; there is convincing evidence that this process is, at least in part, mediated by REM fragmentation. Individuals with PTSD had higher "fear load" during extinction, worse extinction learning, poorer extinction recall, and worse safety learning. Evidence suggests that these processes are also mediated by fragmented REM. Finally, PTSD treatments that require extinction and safety learning may also be affected by REM fragmentation. Addressing fragmented sleep or sleep architecture could be used to increase emotional memory and learning processes and thus ameliorate responses to trauma exposure, reduce PTSD severity, and improve treatment. Future studies should examine relationships between emotional memory and learning and disturbed sleep in clinical PTSD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Colvonen
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
| | - Laura D Straus
- Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, San Francisco VA Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dean Acheson
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Philip Gehrman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Agorastos A, Nicolaides NC, Bozikas VP, Chrousos GP, Pervanidou P. Multilevel Interactions of Stress and Circadian System: Implications for Traumatic Stress. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:1003. [PMID: 32047446 PMCID: PMC6997541 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.01003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dramatic fluctuations in energy demands by the rhythmic succession of night and day on our planet has prompted a geophysical evolutionary need for biological temporal organization across phylogeny. The intrinsic circadian timing system (CS) represents a highly conserved and sophisticated internal "clock," adjusted to the 24-h rotation period of the earth, enabling a nyctohemeral coordination of numerous physiologic processes, from gene expression to behavior. The human CS is tightly and bidirectionally interconnected to the stress system (SS). Both systems are fundamental for survival and regulate each other's activity in order to prepare the organism for the anticipated cyclic challenges. Thereby, the understanding of the temporal relationship between stressors and stress responses is critical for the comprehension of the molecular basis of physiology and pathogenesis of disease. A critical loss of the harmonious timed order at different organizational levels may affect the fundamental properties of neuroendocrine, immune, and autonomic systems, leading to a breakdown of biobehavioral adaptative mechanisms with increased stress sensitivity and vulnerability. In this review, following an overview of the functional components of the SS and CS, we present their multilevel interactions and discuss how traumatic stress can alter the interplay between the two systems. Circadian dysregulation after traumatic stress exposure may represent a core feature of trauma-related disorders mediating enduring neurobiological correlates of trauma through maladaptive stress regulation. Understanding the mechanisms susceptible to circadian dysregulation and their role in stress-related disorders could provide new insights into disease mechanisms, advancing psychochronobiological treatment possibilities and preventive strategies in stress-exposed populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nicolas C Nicolaides
- First Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios P Bozikas
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- First Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Unit of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Colvonen PJ, Drummond SP, Angkaw AC, Norman SB. Piloting cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia integrated with prolonged exposure. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2019; 11:107-113. [PMID: 30211598 PMCID: PMC6312507 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Approximately 35-61% of individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) report insomnia. Further, upward of 70% report clinically significant insomnia following PTSD treatment. There are converging lines of evidence suggesting that insomnia not only independently affects daytime functioning and worsens PTSD symptoms but also may compromise response to PTSD treatment, such as prolonged exposure (PE). Taken together, integrated insomnia and PTSD treatment may increase client-centered care and treatment outcomes. METHOD This article reviews the theory and evidence for treating sleep prior to PTSD treatment, describes the key elements of integrated cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBT-I) and PE (2NITE protocol), and presents pilot data from a sample of 12 treatment-seeking veterans with PTSD and insomnia who completed the 2NITE protocol. Sleep data were collected with sleep diaries and actigraphy watches. RESULTS The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire indicated high satisfaction with the 2NITE protocol (mean score 29.66 out of 32 points). On average, there were statistical and clinically significant changes in all measures, including a 20.17-point decrease in the PTSD Checklist DSM-5, a 11.75-point decrease in the insomnia severity index, an 18.58-point increase in the World Health Organization Quality of Life index, a 11% increase in sleep efficiency, and a 51-min increase in total sleep time from the actigraphy data. CONCLUSIONS Among individuals with insomnia and PTSD, integrating CBT-I and PE with the 2NITE protocol represents a logical, innovative, and empirically informed method for augmenting existing treatments and optimizing outcomes that justifies further investigation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Colvonen
- VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego
| | - Sean P.A. Drummond
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego
- Monash Institute for Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Psychological Science, Monash University
| | - Abigail C. Angkaw
- VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego
- National Center for PTSD
- SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
| | - Sonya B. Norman
- VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego
- National Center for PTSD
- SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Woodward E, Sachschal J, Beierl ET, Ehlers A. Night-time rumination in PTSD: development and validation of a brief measure. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1651476. [PMID: 31497260 PMCID: PMC6720014 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1651476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pre-sleep cognitive activity and arousal have long been implicated in the maintenance of insomnia. However, despite high comorbidity between insomnia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pre-sleep thoughts in PTSD and their associations with disturbed sleep, have not yet been investigated. Objective: This study presents the development and preliminary validation of a brief self-report measure of the content of trauma-related pre-sleep thoughts: the Trauma Thoughts before Sleep Inventory (TTSI). Methods: Participants (N = 285) were recruited online into five groups: three groups with clinical symptoms, 1) PTSD; 2) depression without PTSD; 3) insomnia without depression or PTSD; and two healthy control groups 4) nontrauma-exposed controls; 5) trauma-exposed controls. The questionnaire was administered at baseline, and for a subsample (n = 157) again one week later to assess test-retest reliability. At baseline, participants also completed questionnaires of sleep quality, PTSD and depression symptoms, and insomnia-related thoughts. Results: The TTSI had good reliability and validity; it discriminated participants with PTSD from those with depression and insomnia, those with depression from insomnia, and correlated with existing measures of pre-sleep thoughts, self-reported pre-sleep arousal and poor sleep. Conclusions: The results support the utility of the TTSI for measuring thoughts that keep people with PTSD awake, although replication in an independent clinical sample is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliane Sachschal
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Esther T Beierl
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anke Ehlers
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Cox RC, Sterba SK, Cole DA, Upender RP, Olatunji BO. Time of day effects on the relationship between daily sleep and anxiety: An ecological momentary assessment approach. Behav Res Ther 2018; 111:44-51. [PMID: 30300779 PMCID: PMC6250589 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has linked sleep disturbance to anxiety. However, evidence for this relation has been inconsistent, largely limited to retrospective reports that do not account for daily variability, and silent on when the association is most pronounced. Thus, the present study utilized ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine the effects of daily deviations in total sleep time (TST) and person-average TST on anxiety and whether these effects varied as a function of time of day in a sample of unselected adults (N = 138). Results indicate that the amount of TST on a given night, relative to personal average TST, negatively predicted anxiety, and this relation was significant in the morning and afternoon, but not evening. In contrast, person-average TST was unrelated to average anxiety. Relations between TST and anxiety did not differ across objective (e.g., actigraphy) and subjective (e.g., sleep diary) measures. Furthermore, the pattern of results remained the same when controlling for previous day's anxiety and were not bidirectional. These findings suggest that getting less sleep than is typical for the individual predicts subsequent anxiety, and this effect is particularly strong in the morning. Average sleep duration may be less important to the experience of anxiety than deviations from that average. These findings highlight the importance of EMA to examine how and when variability in sleep confers vulnerability for anxiety symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Cox
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, 301 Wilson Hall, 111 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA.
| | - Sonya K Sterba
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, 301 Wilson Hall, 111 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - David A Cole
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, 301 Wilson Hall, 111 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Raghu P Upender
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, 301 Wilson Hall, 111 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Bunmi O Olatunji
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, 301 Wilson Hall, 111 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hale AC, Rodriguez JL, Wright TP, Driesenga SA, Spates CR. Predictors of change in cognitive processing therapy for veterans in a residential PTSD treatment program. J Clin Psychol 2018; 75:364-379. [PMID: 30485430 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive processing therapy is an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, questions remain regarding variability in treatment response. METHOD A total of 123 veterans participated in group-based cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in residential PTSD treatment. Change over time in PTSD symptoms was modeled as a function of selected demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS PTSD checklist (PCL) scores decreased by an average of 1 point per session (standard deviation [SD] = 0.1). Initial PCL scores were predicted by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (γ01 = 0.25; standard error [SE] = 0.08), Insomnia Severity Index (γ02 = 0.53; SE = 0.15), and Infrequency (F) scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (γ03 = 0.09; SE = 0.04). Rate of change was predicted by the Somatic Complaints (RC1) scale (γ11 = -0.03; SE = 0.01) and the Antisocial Behavior (RC4) scale (γ12 = 0.02; SE = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results provide insight into characteristics that may influence degree of benefit received from group-based CPT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Hale
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.,VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | | | - C Richard Spates
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|